I AM KALAM Review: The film is a winning proposition
The film more than makes up for its failings with sheer heart
Films with children being the protagonists have been releasing thick and fast recently with the over praised Stanley Ka Dabba, the saccharine Chillar Party and the stolen Cycle Kick being recent example. Though severely flawed, Nila Madhan Panda’s debut feature I Am Kalam is a winning addition to the genre.
Little Chhotu (Haresh Mayar), from an indigent Rajasthani family, is sent to work at his uncle Bhati’s (Gulshan Grover) highway dhaba. The boy is as bright as a button and shows not just a keen aptitude for his job, but also a thirst for learning. This earns him the ire of the other dhaba employee, the film obsessed Laptan (Pitobash), who is overshadowed.
After seeing president APJ Abdul Kalam on television, Chhotu is inspired and takes heart that he can defeat his poverty and grow up to become a man of substance. He styles his hair similarly to the president and even begins calling himself Kalam. The dhaba also supplies victuals to a nearby haveli, half of which is let out to tourists and the other half is occupied by the ruler of the erstwhile principality and his family that includes prince Ranvijay (Hussan Saad), a lonely boy of Chhotu’s age. The two form a fast friendship and share their knowledge with each other.
The film’s biggest flaw is its script where major events are telegraphed miles in advance, thus lessening the impact when they occur. The viewer is also left in no doubt that Chhotu’s burning ambition to get ahead in life will only reach a happy conclusion. The script also gets needlessly sidetracked with strands that are introduced but left half-explored, like ex-royals bemoaning the loss of kingdoms; the rigid class divide in Rajasthan; foreign tourists and their relationship with India, etc. However, the film more than makes up for its failings with sheer heart. What comes across is a genuine attempt by Panda to highlight the issues of child illiteracy in India and how, given the right opportunity, even the poorest child can crest pinnacles, much like the inspirational real life story of president Kalam himself.
The director is immeasurably helped by a clutch of great performances, especially by Mayar as Chhotu/Kalam. Grover sheds his villainous tag and delivers a mature performance as the kindly dhaba owner who has an unrequited love. Pitobash as the dhaba hand is excellent, especially when doing his terrible Amitabh Bachchan impressions. But the best performance of the film is by Hussan Saad who plays the cloistered rich prince to perfection. Though the film is all about Chhotu, the real character arc is that of prince Ranvijay who emerges from his cocoon butterfly-like by the end of the film. There is also some wonderful Rajasthani folk music that enriches the soundtrack of this heart-warming film.
Salman’s dad to write ‘Chillar Party’ sequel
Salim Khan has agreed to come out of retirement for his son’s production
Salman Khan’s production Chillar Party took everyone by surprise with its innocent portrayal of childhood. So naturally, it will have a sequel. Isn’t that the trend nowadays? But what’s exciting is that the sequel will be written by Salman’s dad Salim Khan. In the 1970s, the veteran scriptwriter teamed up with Javed Akhtar and over the next two decades wrote hits such as Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Zanjeer, Sholay, Chacha Bhatija, Shakti and Mr India. However, the duo then broke up their partnership. Salim’s solo films failed to create the same magic at the box office. Remember Toofan and Akayla with Amitabh Bachchan? Aa Gale Lag Jaa with Jugal Hansraj and Urmila Matondkar? Or even Dil Tera Deewana and Majhdhaar with Salman? So it was not surprising when he put down his pen for good. But with Chillar Party’s success and Salman’s career on a high, Salim is ready to make a comeback. Does that mean Salman will play a significant role in the film? We don’t know yet, but we wish the senior Khan luck.
Prakash Jha’s office, home attacked for ‘Aarakshan’
New Delhi: Filmmaker Prakash Jha Saturday said his house and office in Mumbai were attacked by political activists who wished to obstruct the release of his film ‘Aarakshan,’ based on caste-based reservations in the Indian education system."Just heard that my office and home have been attacked by political activists who are against the release of `Aarakshan`," Jha posted on his Twitter page Saturday evening.
The film is set to hit screens Aug 12.
Jha is currently in the capital, along with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and other cast members, to promote the movie.
Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athavale had earlier said that his party will not let theatres in Maharashtra screen the movie if it does not change its ‘anti-Dalit’ stance. Prior to that, the National Commission of Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also termed the film ‘anti-Dalit.’
The NCSC had even asked Jha to screen the film for a panel before its release Aug 12. But Jha is unfazed.
At a press conference here Friday, Jha said he is a ‘responsible’ filmmaker, and would not sensationalise a sensitive subject for entertainment.
The filmmaker, known for his projects on socio-political issues and their effects on the society, was recently denied permission to stage a grand show in Lucknow to promote ‘Aarakshan’ by the state administration on grounds of "apprehension of breach of peace".
The film also features Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar.
Daniel Craig thankful ‘Bond 23’ is back on track
London: Daniel Craig has revealed that he thought the latest Bond film ‘Bond 23’ would never be made and he would turn too old to fit into the role of the iconic superspy.The 43-year-old English actor said that after the work on ‘Bond 23’ was shelved in April 2010 for financial troubles, he was apprehensive that he would never utter the words “The name’s Bond, James Bond” again.
“If we couldn’t get the film made it would be ridiculous because we’d made all this money and it was a good bet. They were just in a very complicated financial situation but there was nothing [the film-makers] could do. Either it was going to sort itself out or I was going to get too old and that would be the end of it. I was desperate to have another crack at it. I think I would have felt disappointed eventually,” the Daily Express quoted him as telling Esquire magazine.
Luckily a rescue deal was confirmed, with the work scheduled to start later this year.
Thanks to rains, ‘Ferrari...’ team shoots crucial scene
New Delhi: The Mumbai rains kept the team of Vidhu Vinod Chopra`s ‘Ferrari Ki Sawaari’ waiting for two months to shoot a crucial cricket sequence as they wanted to capture it in natural rainfall. They finally got to shoot the scene last week.The film features Sharman Joshi and Deepika Padukone in key roles.
According to a source from the sets, the cricket scene was filmed at the University Ground, Marine Lines in Mumbai, in heavy downpour, which was a blessing to the team as they were waiting for the perfect weather for a long time.
The cast and crew kept postponing the date to capture this portion as it forms an important part of the film, which is centred around a young boy who harbours a dream to play cricket at Lord`s in England.
Debutant director Rajesh Mapuskar was keen that the scene be nothing less than perfect, and all the team members gave their support by managing their dates for the shoot accordingly. The scene was shot over two days.
"I have been working under Rajkumar Hirani and Vinod Chopra for a while now and one of the first things that I have learnt is to be true to the script," Mapuskar said in a statement.
"Earlier also we shot with the authentic backdrop of Mumbai University. We also shot live on roads among live audiences - even while shooting with Sharman. So it was very important for us to authentically shoot this cricket sequence as it happens to be one of our most important scenes," he added.
The film`s first shooting schedule is over, and over half the film shooting is already done. The team is all geared to finish the work soon now.
"Sixty percent of the filming is over and we are very much running on schedule. Our next schedule will begin post-September 2011 after the rains," Mapuskar said.
Hrithik Roshan cracks overseas market
Mumbai: Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is riding high on the success of his latest release 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.' His upcoming 'Krrish 2' is fetching skyrocketing prices for its music and satellite rights much ahead of its shooting - and is expected to be high on the overseas market too.A source close to the actor revealed that the music rights have been sold for Rs.6 crore and the satellite rights given out for Rs.38 crore. The price has surpassed superstar Shah Rukh Khan`s upcoming superhero flick 'RA.One' which has been sold at a reported Rs.35 crore.
The bidding for the movie is expected to be high on overseas rights too, and Hrithik is elated.
"The overseas market is a hard one to crack because there`s no guarantee that a film that works in India will do well there. So, it`s heartening that five of my films (`Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham`, `Dhoom 2` `Jodhaa Akbar`, `Kites` and `Zindagi...`) have conquered both markets. The breakthrough came with `Dhoom 2`," Hrithik said in a press statement.
'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' grossed Rs.22 crore from the overseas market within 10 days of its release, and Hrithik feels his popularity has also grown thanks to his statue in Madame Tussaud`s wax museum in London.
"The statue at Madame Tussaud`s also got me a lot of attention and was symbolic of a decade-long journey that should inspire my sons to march ahead despite the hurdles," added the actor, who unveiled his wax statue in London earlier this year.
However, the 37-year-old refuses to agree he is in competition with Bollywood`s Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir.
"I wouldn`t want to lump Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman together as the `Khans` because they are distinct individuals who have seen maximum failures, and yet, risen to great heights.
"We don`t see ourselves as superheroes and walk around with crowns on our heads. We`re just actors doing what we know best. The advantage is that being the last link in the chain, we get all the eyeballs and praise," he added.
Hrithik is currently shooting for the remake of 'Agneepath,' and he would start work on 'Krrish 2' in November this year.
Winnie the Pooh to debut in Indian cinemas
New Delhi: Whether you`re six or 60 - one look at the golden, honey-loving bear and you know you`re going to love Winnie the Pooh. The philosophical cartoon is making its debut on the Indian big screen Aug 12, and producer The Walt Disney Company promises the film will be a delight for "grandparents and grandchildren alike".Pooh, the character, was developed by British author A.A. Milne.
In the past, there have been several short and feature length films made as part of the "Winnie the Pooh" series. But the last full-length movie with Pooh as the lead character by Disney was "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" in 1977.
"It`s been a while, almost 35 years since a full-length Pooh movie came on the big screen even internationally. Sadly, that movie didn`t come to India. But this time Winnie the Pooh is making it here," Kanthamraju added.
In 2000, Disney released the full-length film "The Tigger Movie" in which Pooh`s friend Tigger played the leading role. Following its success, two more feature-length Pooh movies based on other characters related to Pooh, were released - "Piglet`s Big Movie" (2003) and "Pooh`s Heffalump Movie" (2005).
Indian viewers are quite aware of Winnie the Pooh as a character through, what Kanthamraju calls, the "Disney difference" - books and merchandise based on it.
"Winnie the Pooh", directed by Stephen Anderson and Don Hall, will take fans down a 68-minute long adventure trip to the Hundred Acre Wood, the fictional land inhabited by Winnie the Pooh and his friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore.
The latest animated Pooh feature has been created out of three of Milne`s stories.
"At Disney, we aim at providing wholesome entertainment for all age groups. So this movie too has elements of fun, friendship and love through Pooh`s adventures in the woods. We are sure children would take back some learning," said Kanthamraju.
"We are super excited about bringing Pooh to India for the first time," he added.
The movie has also been made keeping in mind the idea to draw a young, below eight-year-old audience to cinema halls.
"Though it is more a storytelling process, it turns out to be a huge advantage for parents whose toddlers can`t sit through long, three-hour movies in a dark hall. So they can enjoy the movie peacefully, and introduce their kids to the world of cinema in an entertaining way," said Kanthamraju.
According to him, the existence or absence of quality children`s films in India makes for a "philosophical debate".
"I would say there`s good space for family entertainers which everyone can watch. We have always believed in films with characters and stories that cater to a universal crowd. We have fun with our stories in that space, and so far it`s worked well," he said.
Next up from Disney`s bouquet will be "Muppets", which will release in December.
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